Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Eggs Should Be Considered a 'Super Food'

Eggs should be considered a 'super food' because they can boost health and tackle obesity.The nutritionists say eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods and are recommending one a day for the maximum benefit.

Eggs are a great source of protein. Numerous vitamins, including vitamin A, potassium and many B vitamins like folic acid, choline and biotin, are also packed into this oval-shaped staple [Source: USDA]. In fact, very few foods share the same diverse nutrient makeup available in a single egg. Many of these are specifically needed for the health of the nerves and the brain. Through the years, all fats have become public enemies, often blamed for an increased risk of heart disease. Eggs fell out of favor and people gravitated toward egg whites as a substitute. In truth, the yolk is where many of the vitamins and nutrients are found. 1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. Eggs are an excellent source of choline. Choline is known as the memory vitamin because it is an important part of a neurotransmitter that helps preserve the integrity of the electrical transmission across the gaps between nerves. It aids brain function and enhances thinking capacity and memory. Recent studies show that providing extra choline during pregnancy plays an essential role in brain development and higher memory capabilities throughout life. Choline also seems helpful in treating memory deficiencies in adults.

4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

The latest findings, funded by the British Egg Industry Council, suggest that one or two eggs a day have no effect on total cholesterol levels for most people. Files released recently showed that in 1979 Margaret Thatcher lost weight on a short-term diet of 28 eggs a week.

Over the last few years, many researchers have done further studies on the benefits of eggs. Consistently, the findings indicate that eating eggs every day does not increase levels of "bad" cholestrol in the blood.

Cholesterol is essential for life. It is produced naturally in our bodies and forms a basic part of all our cells. Cholesterol helps to regulate our hormones, helps us utilize Vitamin D and helps us digest food.
Most of the cholesterol in our body (about 80%) is produced in the liver. Only about 20% is affected by what we eat. If you eat more cholesterol than you need, your body accommodates by producing less.